Corsica Flashcards
What is the main historical influence on Corsica’s grape varieties?
Roman, italian influence and control of the island from 231BC- 1768AD means italian varieties are widely planted
When was Corsica settled by the Phoceans?
546BC
What was the influence of the papacy on Corsica?
Laid claim by the papacy in early 11th century, republic/bishop of Pisa led the settlement, Sangiovese introduced to the island
What is the native corsican name for Sangiovese?
Nielluccio/u
What was the influence of the republic of Genoa on Corsica?
- Claimed the island in 1195
- Introduced vermentino
- Banned export of Corsican wines to anywhere outside of Genoa
- Popularised sweet wines
What was Napoleon’s influence over Corsica?
- Born in corsica in 1769
- Establishes duty-free trade laws for Corsican wine with the rest of the French empire
What is the native corsican name for Mammolo?
Sciacarello/u
What is the native corsican name for Mammolo?
Sciacarello/u
How did the Algerian war effect Corsica’s wine industry?
- Increased immigration to the island
- Increased planting of vineyards starting 1950s
- Introduction of southern French grapes including carignan, cinsault, grenache
How has Corsica’s wine industry changed from the 1960s until today?
- Generally cheap wine production in 60s, 70s
- 80s/90s EU subsidies to lower yield and increase quality
- 2000-today, increases in popularity, quality, more recognition of native grapes in AOPs
Describe the general terroir of Corsica
- Mountainous island
- Granite to the west
- Schist to the east
- Limestone to the north and south
- Similar weather to Provence, but with higher altitudes
- Gobelet pruning due to high winds
- 39 grapes permitted under IGP
How many IGPs and AOPs are there in Corsica?
1 IGP (IGP Île de beauté)
9 AOPs
How many IGPs and AOPs are there in Corsica?
1 IGP (IGP Île de beauté)
9 AOPs
What are the 6 noble grapes of Corsica?
WHITE
- Vermentino
- Muscat
RED
- Niellucio/u
- Sciacarello/u
- Carcagiolu nero
- Grenache
What are the main cities of Corsica?
- Ajaccio
- Bastia
- Calvi
- Porto Vecchio
- Bonifacio
What are the characteristics of IGP Île de beauté?
- Allows 3 colours, still, dry
- Covers the entire island
- 39 grapes permitted
- Blending permitted
What are the characteristics of AOP Vin de Corse?
- 3 colours, still, dry
- Schist, to east of island
- Barely used AOP, shit quality
What are the characteristics of AOP Corse Ajaccio?
- 3 colours, still, dry
- Clay, granite soils
- Red wines majority Sciaccarello
- WHITE wines min. 80% vermentino
- Barbarossa, Nielluccio, sciacarello must be min 60% in REDS
What is the significance of Domaine Abbatucci to Corsica?
- Family linked with the Frenvh empire, diplomacy etc.
- Promoting the conservation and promotion of native varieties
- First biodynamic producer in Corsica
What are the characteristics of AOP Corse Patrimonio?
- First AOP of Corsica
- WHITES 100% vermentino
- REDS min. 90% nielluciu
- ROSE min. 75% nielluciu
- Most premium AOP in Corsica
- As of 2022, organic requirement for AOP
What are the 9 AOPs of Corsica?
- Corse Ajaccio
- Corse Patrimonio
- Corse Calvi
- Corse coteaux du cap corse
- Corse Porto Vecchio
- Corse Figari
- Corse Sartène
- Corse muscat du cap corse
- Vin de corse
What is Cap Mattei?
Wine-based amaro from Corsica. Flavoured with quinine, cedrat lemon peel, other aromatics. Base wine normally a blend of vermentino and muscat
Name some notable producers from Corsica
- Domaine Abbatucci
- Domaine Vaccelli
- Saint Amarettu
- Clos Canarelli
